Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in urban areas around the country. Indianapolis has seen around 3,000 electric scooters enter the streets within the last year and it’s likely that more will be coming soon. Although these scooters are a fun and convenient way for pedestrians to get from one destination to another, they can also be dangerous and lead to injury.
Electric scooters can travel at a speed of up to fifteen miles per hour. When riders aren’t following proper safety measures or when drivers aren’t vigilant behind the wheel, people can suffer from injuries. If you were riding on an electric scooter and were injured because of someone else’s negligence, an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Kooi Law can help you file a claim.
Electric Scooter Laws in Indianapolis
There are laws that apply to electric scooter riders in order to promote safety when riding. These include the following:
- It’s prohibited to ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk.
- Electric scooters should always be ridden on roadways.
- All rules of the road should be followed.
- You must ride with the flow of traffic.
- Although helmets aren’t required, they’re recommended.
- Electric scooters must be parked with four feet of clearance on sidewalks.
Aside from laws aimed at the riding of electric scooters, there are also laws that apply to electric scooter companies. Electric scooters have to be equipped with lights, a pedometer, and either a bell or horn. Companies must also carry liability insurance to protect the city in the event that the city is held liable for any accidents.
How Electric Scooter Accidents Occur
Electric scooter accidents can occur for a variety of reasons because electric scooters are new on roadways and many people are adjusting to using these machines as a form of transportation. Although an electric scooter rider may be held liable for their own injuries if they were breaking one of the electric scooter laws while riding, it’s also possible that other parties can be held liable for the wreck.
For example, if an electric scooter rider is riding through a crosswalk and gets hit by a distracted driver, then the driver can be held responsible for the accident. If the rider gets injured due to an electric scooter malfunction, the scooter company can be held liable.
Proving Negligence in an Electric Scooter Accident
Proving negligence in an electric scooter accident will require sufficient evidence showing that your injuries were a direct result of the accident and the accident was caused by an at-fault party other than yourself. Indiana uses modified comparative fault when considering electric scooter accidents, so if you were partially at fault for causing your wreck, you may still have grounds for a case.
Once your percentage of fault can be calculated, this percentage will be deducted from your overall claim value. For example, if you’re found to be 20 percent at fault for causing the scooter accident and your overall settlement is $50,000, then you’ll ultimately receive $40,000.
Contact an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney
Electric scooter accidents are a new occurrence but they’re becoming more prevalent in the world of personal injury litigation. Although these cases may be more complex because there’s a lack of precedent to compare to, your attorney can support you and help you receive the money you deserve for your injuries.
If you’d like to speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Kooi Law, call 317-569-1335 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free consultation.
